[Greek] ἐγκαταλείπω (egkataleipō), [Latin] derelinquere, [Latin] deserere, [French] abandonner, [French] separer, [Old English] forsacan: to leave behind, to desert, to let remain, to abandon, to forsake, to leave in the lurch; Mt.27:46, Mk.15:34, Rom.9:29, 2Cor.4:9, 2Tim.4:10,16, Heb.10:25, Heb.13:5
Christian Martyrs in the Colosseum: painting by Konstantin Flavitsky (1862). It is significant to note that Christianity flourished soon after the Christian martyrdom. Paul points out the paradox of the Christian ministry. Although Christians may face trails, they will receive rescue with salvation.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to leave behind, to leave in the lurch, to abandon, to forsake, and to omit.
Herodotus’ The Histories 8.59 states “Those left behind win no crown.”
Lycurgus’ Against Leocrates 1.2: “But if the man whom I am now bringing you to trial neither betrayed his country nor forsake his city and temples, I pray that he may be saved from danger by the gods and you, members of the jury.”
Plato’s Phaedo 91c : “If you think what I say is not true, oppose me with every argument you can muster, hoping I will not go away, like leaving my sting sticking into you.”
Thucydides The Peloponnesian War 3.51: “Leaving a garrison, he departed with his forces.”
Xenonophon’s Hellenica 5.4.13: The Lacedaemonians put to death the governor who had abandoned the Acropolis instead of waiting for the relief force.”
Old Testament: This term means to abandon, to reject, to desert, to leave behind, to neglect, and to release.
New Testament: This term means to forsake, to abandon (desert), and to leave behind. Jesus cries out on the cross in a psalm of lament, saying, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” David foretells that Jesus’ soul would not be abandoned to the netherworld. Isaiah predicted that God in His mercy leaves us descendants, unlike those like Sodom and Gomorrah. Paul illustrates the paradox of the Christian ministry, persecuted but not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed. Paul implores his followers not to stay away from the assembly, as is the custom of some. Paul mentions there will be some who will desert him. Paul implores his followers to have faith, as the Lord will never abandon them.
Notable scriptures:
Acts 2:7: Because you will not abandon my soul in the netherworld
Rom.9:29: We would become like Sodom and Gomorrah if the Lord had not left us descendants
2Tim.4:10: Demas, enamored by the present world, deserted me [Paul]
Heb.10:25: Some have stayed away (forsaken) the Christian assembly
Heb.13:5: Be free from the love of money for I will never forsake or abandon you
Etymology: The Greek verb egkataleipo literally means to leave (-leipo) down (-kata) and out (eg-). The related Latin verbs derelinquere and relinquere mean to abandon, to leave behind, and to bequest. The Latin verb deserere means to leave, to depart, and to forsake. Derelict means left behind, forgotten, and neglected. Delinquent means one who fails in performing a duty (obligation). Relictus (relict), the past perfect participle of the Latin verb relinquere, means something left behind.
Conclusion:
Derelict, relinquish, delinquent, relic, desert, deserted, forsake, forsaken, abandon, separate
It was interesting to discover the related Latin verbs associated with this term. Leaving a garrison, leaving a knife in a wound, being betrayed, and being left behind in a race all can be readily understood in any time in history. Plato makes an amusing metaphorical reference of not going away (being persistent) to a bee leaving its stinger.
In the Old Testament, abandoning, forsaking, deserting and rejecting all are intertwined with one’s relationship with God. Likewise, freeing and releasing indicate the release from bondage, servitude, and sin.
In the New Testament, Jesus cries out a psalm of lament (Psa.22:2). In His Mercy God has left descendants. If God had not acted, the whole nation would have been cut off. It is very important to note that the paradox of the Christian ministry is still very applicable to today. It is interesting to note that Christianity often flourishes soon after when Christians are persecuted or martyred. Africa provides such an example. There still continues to be places worldwide where Christians are currently being persecuted and martyred.
Acts 2:27 and Rom.9:29 allude to God’s life giving presence and patience. Demas, attracted to the present world, abandons Paul and abandons his faith.
Update: President Biden, abandoning his “Catholic’ faith, leads in support of abortion policies.
Republicans and Conservatives, facing worldly opposition, are continually under pressure in continually supporting pro-life causes.
House Speaker McCarthy will continue to be under pressure about not abandoning the agreed upon House political agenda.
Germany continues to be under pressure for supplying tanks in not abandoning its support for Ukraine in their war against Russia.
Many in this post-Christian secular world are forsaking attending Church.
Leaders and government leaders often abandon supporting Christians who are under persecution. Yet, God will never abandon those who are persecuted and martyred.
Democrats and Progressives, seeing President Biden’s unfolding secured documents’ scandals, are continuing to abandon their support for him.
I hope that I was able to leave behind an interesting post about leaving behind.